Za'Atar BAM!

[JC in GB]

I got a bag of Za'Atar spice from a friend of mine earlier this year. I never tried it but I understand it is popular in the Middle East.

Basic Za'Atar spice:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon ground coriander

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

• 1 tablespoon sumac

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon or more aleppo chili flakes- optional

I made up a rub of SPOG and added a generous amount of Za'Atar spice to rib tips I had left from my St Louis trim.

I split the rib tips I had and made half with Za'Atar and the other half with an AP rub I had left from a previous cook.

Smoked with hickory, oak whiskey barrel and a touch of apple.

The verdict:

Everyone who ate the rib tips said they preferred the Za'Atar tips over the more traditional American style seasoning. Knock me over with a feather!

They were delicious and I will be sure to keep that gem in my cook book.

JC

 

[chef jimmyj]

Good stuff on grilled meat and as a topping on Pita. Kind of a Lebanese Pizza. It may just be this version but more than one source, including a Lebanese Chef I trained with, adds an equal part Thyme Leaves to above...JJ

 

[zwiller]

I have been wanting to try this, have all but the sumac. I need a killer Middle Eastern style rub or brine for chicken kabobs. I have a few things that are doable (yogurt, lemon, garlic etc) but nothing WOW.

 

[jcam222]

Middle eastern spice blends in general really rock my taste buds. Thanks for posting. I’m going to try this blend.

 

[JC in GB]

I agree with Chef JJ on this, other recipes I have seen also have thyme.
I love thyme so I would probably add it in.

 

[chef jimmyj]

If you buy Zaatar, you get Dry Thyme in the blend. I find it a bit sharp. I prefer small batches, made with fresh Thyme. You use 2-3 times the volume, but the Flavor of the Zaatar is far superior.

Note: With the exception of Cilantro and dishes that absolutely require Fresh Herbs, I buy and FREEZE all my herbs. Any herb that you freeze loses much it's color and fresh texture, but the Flavor is unchanged...JJ